StemPro® NSC SFM delivers superior hNSC expansion and versatility for both adherent and neurosphere suspension cultures. As human NSCs comprise a very small fraction of the total CNS cell population, expansion is critical to generate sufficient cells to study differentiation pathways and explore the downstream clinical applications of human NSCs. hNSCs can be passaged only a limited number of times before exhibiting reduced proliferation and differentiation potential. Maximizing the total hNSC yield per passage is therefore essential (Figure 2).

hNSCs are defined by the ability to differentiate to three distinct lineages-neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. StemPro® NSC SFM delivers a robust, serum-free neural stem cell medium that maintains the multipotent differentiation capabilities of the stem cells and the ability to drive hNSCs down the desired lineage to meet specific experimental requirements (Figure 4).

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Figure 4. Differentiation potential of hNSCs cultured in StemPro® NSC SFM. hNSCs were cultured in StemPro® NSC SFM and were differentiated to neurons, and glial cells. Shown above (A) Neurons were labeled with an anti-HuC/D antibody (green) and an anti-Dcx antibody (red). (B) Cells with an oligodendrocyte lineage were labeled with an anti-GalC antibody (red). Cell nuclei were labeled with DAPI (blue) and neurons were labeled with an anti-Dcx antibody (green). (C) Cells with an astrocyte lineage were labeled using an anti-CD44 antibody (green). Cell nuclei were labeled with DAPI (blue) and neurons were labeled with an anti-Dcx antibody (green).